Devil's Pawn

by Levinson, Marilyn

  Okay, I said, totally disappointed. I was counting on Lucinda to come up with a plan.

  We’ll be on call if you need us. And let me know the minute Lucy learns anything regarding the location of that barn.

  Will do.

  I watched some TV, then logged on to my computer. Before I knew it, Aunt Mary was calling me to go downstairs for lunch.

  She’d put out a nice spread: cold pasta salad, crisp southern fried chicken, and ice cream for dessert. I surprised myself by eating quite a lot. When I’d finished, I realized she was staring at me, a frightened expression on her face. She held out a pill.

  “Your uncle Raymond wants me to give you this. He suggested that I put it in your food, but I couldn’t, Simon.”

  I stared at her. Aunt Mary stepped back. “He’s evil, Aunt Mary. Flush it down the toilet.”

  She nodded and went to do it.

  “I’m going out,” I said when she returned to the kitchen.

  “But you mustn’t!” Aunt Mary looked as though she were about to cry. “Your uncle Raymond will be furious to find you gone. He told me to tell you to stay here.”

  “And he expected the pill would make me sleepy.”

  Her face flushed red. She nodded.

  I flung myself out the door. Too full to run, I walked quickly to Lucinda’s house. My cell phone rang.

  “Hi, Simon,” Pol said. “Why didn’t you come to camp today?”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Not really. Lucy still can’t tell us where she is. She said someone named Romie is guarding her.”

  “Romie?” Pol sounded excited. “Romie’s Craig’s wife. Her name’s Ramona.”

  I let loose a sound of disgust. “Now why aren’t I surprised? Listen Pol, my uncle’s planning something, and it’s connected to the meeting tonight. Please don’t go!”

  “I have to. They’re expecting a poor turnout. People figure since your uncle’s changed his mind about the playing fields, they might as well stay home and watch TV.” Pol sighed. “Andy started it all. I can’t let my brother down.”

  “I know, but—”

  “You’re going, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t know. My uncle tried to drug me twice today. I’ve no idea where I’ll be come eight o’clock.”

  “Oh, Simon, I wish I could help. I want to be there for you until this awful time is over.”

  I gripped the phone till my knuckles turned white. “You are there for me, Pol. It helps. More than you know.”

  I changed my mind about visiting Lucinda and headed for the library. I sprawled out on one of the outdoor benches, but was too pent up to remain still. My thoughts bounced off each other like bumper cars. I couldn’t come up with a solution, only the determination to save Lucy and myself from Raymond’s clutches, and that was proving harder and harder to do.

  I took off running and ended up in a park, where I drank what seemed like gallons of water from the fountain. I wandered through town, counted the minutes that passed, knowing each one brought Lucy and me closer to our doom. I jogged back to the library and fell asleep on the same bench I’d sat on earlier in the day.

  Simon, it’s me.

  What’s up, Lucy?

  Romie took a slat off the window. I see a blue barn!

  That’s great! Is it navy blue? Bright blue?

  Bright blue. Does that help?

  My excitement shot through with my message. I think so, since most barns are red or white. I grinned. I’ll let our great-aunt Lucinda know. She’ll send the news along.

  Do you think I’ll get out of here today? I want to be with you, Simon.

  I hope today will be the day. My sense of impending danger made me add, I have a feeling it will soon be over.

  Good. I can’t wait to leave this place.

  A minute later I was relating everything to Lucinda.

  I know where that blue barn is! I’ll call Chuck. He and Sergeant Baker will get her.

  I glanced down at my watch. How did it get to be five o’clock so soon? How long will it take them to drive out there?

  About twenty minutes, Lucinda said. I’ll have them bring her to my house. If all goes well, you’ll be seeing your sister in less than an hour.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  I WAS SO BUSY talking to Lucinda I never heard the two men come at me from behind. They flanked me on either side. Each grabbed an upper arm and dragged me to a black car hidden behind bushes, only twenty feet from where I’d been sitting.

  Frantically, I tried to shake free. This was a public place. Where was everyone? Anyone? I swung my head from side to side, but no one was in sight. Of course these goons would have made certain of that. When I opened my mouth to yell, a huge hand clamped over half my face. One of the men pushed my head down so I could climb into the back seat of the car. I kicked him in the shins. He swore softly and clouted me on the head.

  “Ow!”

  The guy was about to hit me again when the other thug shook his head.

  “Easy does it,” he ordered. His voice had a harsh accent. Russian, I decided. “The boss said to handle him with kid gloves.”

  The guy who’d hit me said something back in Russian. Then he shoved me onto the seat and got in next to me.

  I scrambled along the seat and yanked on the door lever. It wasn’t locked! I opened the door and jumped out. Maybe I could get away! Maybe—

  Before I took a step, the Russian who’d hit me was ramming me back inside the car. “Stay here and act good,” he said in accented English, “or you’ll be sorry.”

  The other guy revved the motor and sped down the path meant for pedestrians. I stared out the window, waving frantically at the few people we passed. No one seemed to notice.

  I felt a sting and looked down at my arm. The thug was jabbing me with a hypodermic needle. I struggled to shake free, but the creep was too strong.

  The driver turned around, a pirate’s grin on his ugly mug. “Good job, Ivan. That will keep him quiet for the next three hours.”

  I tried every trick I knew to remain conscious, but whatever narcotic they’d given me took immediate effect. Vivid images crossed my mind—a howling black dog, a little girl running, an old woman shouting.

  Lucinda! I need you! I blinked furiously, determined to stay alert so I could see where they were taking me, but my eyes clamped shut. The car’s motor hummed in harmony with the effects of the drug, lulling me to sleep.

  I must stay awake! I closed my mind, but it was no defense against the drug’s numbing effect. I couldn’t even wiggle a finger. I was paralyzed! Terror shot through my body. Was this how I’d be—comatose and immobile—after Raymond took over my body and my brain? Where would I be? Would I still be conscious, watching and suffering?

  I felt a panic attack coming on and was almost relieved when the narcotic numbed my anxiety. I remained barely conscious. I must stay awake! I must stay awake! Thoughts drifted into my head and floated away like puffy white clouds on a sunny spring day.

  The car stopped. I felt myself being dragged down stairs. The men cursed as they tripped and stumbled. A light flared. My eyes fluttered open. I closed them quickly when I caught one of the men eying me. But I’d managed to see the floor. Linoleum. A dank odor filled my nostrils. I was in a basement. I heard the gurgling of a water cooler and I knew where I was! In the basement of Town Hall.

  A spasm of terror worse than the earlier one had me quivering with fear. My uncle was planning to hold his transformation right here. Somehow it was connected to the meeting about the playing fields!

  Simon, help me! I don’t know where I am! Lucy’s words filled my head. She was crying.

  I had no idea what she was talking about. Had Raymond ordered his men to move her? I wanted to calm her down but couldn’t form the words, not even in my mind.

  Why don’t you answer me? Lucy demanded between sobs. I don’t want them to come after me! Tell me where to go, where they won’t find me.


  I struggled to understand what she was saying. Had she mistaken Chuck and Sergeant Baker for the men who had kidnapped her? Had she run away from them and gotten lost somewhere? Somewhere out in farm country with darkness coming on?

  Simon! Lucy pleaded. Tell me what to do! I can’t run any more.

  Maybe the two goons who’d grabbed me were after her now. I knew what fate was in store for Lucy! My poor sister was going to be Raymond’s victim, like those other little girls he’d had killed.

  Tears spilled down my face. No one could stop my uncle from carrying out his diabolical plans. Here I was, lying drugged in the basement of Town Hall as helpless as a baby, because I’d been careless every step of the way. My uncle had all but told me the transformation would take place this evening. I was so used to wandering around town and going where I liked that I had a false sense of freedom. I should have figured he’d send men out to get me when he was ready.

  I’d been a fool to listen to Lucinda, a batty old woman with no common sense! If she had any, she’d have advised me to run fast and far from Buckley after that first infusion. My uncle was clever. He had money, clout, and ruthless assassins to carry out his orders. What chance had I, a fifteen-year-old kid, to save Lucy and myself?

  Simon, answer me this minute! Let me know you’re all right? Don’t tell me that devil has you in his clutches!

  Lucinda’s fear and anger ricocheted inside my head. It took me a minute or two to get my thoughts in order.

  He had two men grab me and drug me. I think it’s wearing off.

  Where are you?

  In the basement of Town Hall.

  Town Hall? After a pause, she asked, Where they’re holding the meeting tonight?

  Yes. There’s something else. Something important. Can’t remember what it is.

  That nephew of mine is planning something awful. Simon, get out of there right now!

  As soon as I can. Lucy contacted me. She’s lost. I was too weak to answer her.

  That’s terrible! Lucinda sounded frantic. Chuck and Jack Baker went looking for her. The barn was empty. No one was there.

  I don’t know where she is. She sounded frightened. She was afraid some men would find her. Do you think she means Chuck and Sergeant Baker? Or the men who brought me here?

  I’ve no idea. We must find her and keep her safe. And get you the hell out of there.

  Her anxiety came through, along with her words. I moved my legs. They felt tingly, but I was pretty sure they could support my weight. I think I can walk now. Where shall I meet you?

  Contact Lucy and take her anywhere outside that building! I’ll meet you after the town meeting.

  But Lucinda—

  She cut me off. I’ve no time to explain, Simon. I must attend that meeting and counteract Raymond’s wickedness.

  She was gone. I shook my head in frustration. If I left the building, Raymond couldn’t perform the transformation. What else could he be planning? I had no time to figure out what she meant. The drug was wearing off, but I still felt woozy. I could focus on only one thing at a time. I had to get out of Town Hall before those goons returned. Then I’d look for Lucy.

  Walking took more effort than I’d expected. I stepped cautiously toward the steps, holding on to the wall for support. I glanced down at my watch. It was ten past eight. I’d been out longer than I realized. The special meeting was under way. My heart filled with hope as I started up the stairs. My uncle wouldn’t dare harm me with half of Buckley looking on! Now the only obstacle was opening the door, which was probably locked.

  I blinked as a bright light shone down on my face. I put up my arm to shield my eyes.

  Craig’s deep laughter boomed out. “And where do you think you’re going?”

  He aimed the flashlight at my eyes, forcing me back down the stairs. Biting back my disappointment, I noted for the first time the various pieces of furniture and other household objects scattered about the basement.

  Craig thrust his chin toward a kitchen chair beside a coffee table covered with dishes and a bottle.

  “Sit there and behave yourself until your uncle’s ready for you.” He sent me a smile of triumph. “Ten minutes more and I won’t have to deal with the likes of you ever again.”

  I had ten minutes to escape! My sense of self-preservation overcame my fear. I studied the gloating figure before me. I had little chance of beating him in a fight. Still, there were other ways of defeating one’s enemy, especially an overconfident enemy certain he’d already won.

  I glared at Craig. “Why are you so willing to do my uncle’s dirty work?”

  “The money’s good.”

  “How good?” I asked like I was really interested, while my hands curled into fists. How I wanted to smash in that traitorous, boastful face!

  “Let’s see…I handled three ‘incidents’ recently at $500,000 a pop. I’ve made a million and a half since school let out.”

  I couldn’t contain my outrage. “You got all that money for killing little girls! And one of them was your own camper.”

  Craig nodded. “Poor Melissa. She was a sweet child.”

  I opened my mouth to insult Craig, then decided on a different tack. Was this deviousness something I’d “inherited” from my uncle? At this point, I didn’t care. I was grateful for the weapon and only hoped it worked.

  “Tell me,” I said softly, “is it for the money or because you hate kids? A teacher who kills kids is worse than a sexual predator.”

  Craig loomed over me with his fist jerked back, ready to strike. “Shut your mouth! You know nothing about it.”

  Bingo! I forced myself not to flinch, and took note of the bottle on the table beside me. “Why don’t you explain so I’ll understand.”

  My calm tone took the edge off his anger. “I had a son, Lionel. He was three when he caught meningitis. He died the next day. A donor’s life force would have saved his life.”

  I gave a mirthless laugh. “A ‘donor’s life force’’? That’s some spin you’re putting on murder.”

  Craig didn’t seem to hear me. “I swore I’d never have another child unless I’d be able to save his life. Your uncle promised to show me how to do it if I helped him with his transformation.”

  I stretched out my legs. Craig stepped back to give me more room, a sign he’d let down his guard. “And you believe my uncle will tell you how to do this? You trust him to keep his word?”

  Craig took offense. “Of course. Why shouldn’t I?”

  “Because Raymond Davenport’s a sneaking, conniving piece of garbage who thinks only of himself.”

  “He swore on a Bible he’d teach me how to draw in the life force of others.”

  I shook my head in mock disbelief. “You’re so trusting. So naïve. Did you ever see him infuse anyone beside himself with another person’s life force?”

  “No, but he said it can be done.”

  “Well, it can’t be done because you’re not a Davenport.” I laughed. “You let Raymond make a monkey out of you!”

  Craig reached down to smack my face. I grabbed the bottle and smashed it against his skull. He fell to the floor with a thud.

  I raced up the stairs, praying that Craig had left the door unlocked. As I approached the top step, I heard someone fumbling with the lock. I sped back down to the basement and crouched behind a bookcase.

  Raymond slowly descended the stairs. I held my breath. This was it! My only chance to escape was before me. I had to slip through the basement door my uncle had left ajar and make it past the two men who were upstairs somewhere.

  “Craig, what the hell are you doing on the floor?” Raymond demanded. He looked around the dimly lit basement. “Where’s Simon?”

  Craig held his head as he stumbled to his knees and fell into the chair I’d been sitting in a minute ago. “He hit me on the head.”

  “You idiot! Don’t tell me you let him get away!”

  “He’s down here somewhere. Unless he knows how to disappear into thin air.�
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  Raymond gave a sigh of exasperation. “Spare me the jokes. I ask you to do one simple thing—keep my nephew in order until I need him—and you screw up. Just like your wife screwed up looking after my niece.”

  “I’m sorry about that, Raymond.”

  “Now I’ll have to do the transformation without her.”

  “Is everything in order upstairs?” Craig asked.

  Raymond didn’t answer. He strode over to the wall and switched on the overhead lights. As he walked back toward Craig, he pulled two items from his back pocket. One was a dart. The other appeared to be a wide plastic straw. I covered my mouth to keep from making a sound.

  “I believe you’ve worn out your usefulness. Thank you for everything, Craig. You and your worthless wife.”

  My mouth fell open as Craig huddled in the chair, a whimpering pool of terrified jelly.

  “Please, Raymond. I’ll do anything you want. Don’t kill me. Don’t—”

  The dart struck Craig’s forehead and he crumpled to the ground. His gasps sounded like air being forced from a balloon. Raymond placed one end of the plastic tube into Craig’s mouth, the other end into his own. When he removed it minutes later, sparks of charged energy danced in the air.

  Run up the stairs and out the building! The words jangled in my brain, but I couldn’t move. The shock of what I’d just witnessed had paralyzed me as effectively as the drug had earlier.

  Raymond danced around the basement like the Energizer Bunny. It would have been hilarious, watching my klutzy uncle jump and hop about, if Craig weren’t lying dead a few feet away. I tensed as he circled the room, peering behind bureaus and armoires.

  “Where are you, Simon?” he called out in a singsong voice. “Uncle Raymond’s ready for you now.”

  I huddled behind the bookcase, trying to stop the tremors. Raymond opened an armoire in the far corner of the basement. If I wanted to live, I had to move! Run across the floor. Up the stairs. Through the door standing ajar!

  Go now or he’ll get you and do worse than he did to Craig!

  But my feet remained glued to the floor.